Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- October 24, 2017

Christopher Scott, Asia Times: Xi set to surprise critics with consensus appointments

Leaked details indicate reformer from rival faction elevated to top position in show of continuity

In the final days of speculation as to who will be elevated to China’s top echelon of power, the decisions have already been revealed – or so it appears.

A leaked list of who will be appointed to China’s top decision making body, the Politburo Standing Committee (PSC), shows inclusive selections, defying widespread expectations that appointments would further consolidate Xi’s power.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- October 24, 2017

What Xi Can Learn From Deng -- Tom Orlik, Bloomberg

China’s Contradictions -- Stephen S. Roach, Project Syndicate

What you need to know about the post-IS battle for the Mideast -- Peter Van Buren, Reuters

What is Xi thinking? China's leader makes the constitution -- AFP

China to keep wary watch on Abe’s push to change pacifist constitution -- Kristin Huang, SCMP

The Afghanistan Illusion -- Daniel L. Davis, National Interest

Halting Myanmar ethnic cleansing: 5 critical steps -- Joanne Lin, USA Today

‘This Myth About the Great and Horrible Putin’ -- Susan B. Glasser, Politico

On Paper, Spain Is Ready for Showdown With Catalonia -- Noah Feldman, Bloomberg

NATO Grapples with Serious Organizational Shortcomings -- Spiegel Online

How Ukraine's Elites Are Holding the Line -- Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg

US senators have no excuse for their Niger ignorance -- Tom Rogan, Washington Examiner

What Are U.S. Forces Doing in Niger Anyway? -- Jason Ditz, The American Conservative

In Colombia, The FARC’s New Political Party Struggles to Escape Its Militant Past -- WPR editorial

The economics of peace (and war) -- Nils Zimmermann, DW